Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-03-19
"a Little Exercise"

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So long as the Squire was in sight the
crowd kept perfect silence, and main.
tained their positions. When, however,
he disappeared in the house with Jimmy
in attendance on him, there arose hum
of voices. Uncle Billy Willis mount ted
the workbench and everything was still
again.
''Gen-tle-nsen," said the old man, quiet
ly. 81 reckon nobody here is a-g0in' to
dispute my word. If he does ! SHALL ex-
pect Bob Scruggs toe argy with him; an
II he can't convince him, my son Joe, here,
Will jine B0bs side OF the debate. You
all herd what the Squire said. There
amt to be no fightin' here; but il any two
gentlemen wants q little exercise, they
kin git out inter the road and have it..
The rest ofuS will git inter ring aroTn'
en-. 1t ia exercise, gentlemen, not
tightin'; an ther amt ter be no gougin'
nur scratchin', nur oItin', nur hair-pull-
i'm, nur chokin'. You all hear me. Now
git out ther an make a ring. Don't git
1T too little-givs 'em room enough and
keep hands off.
The two litigants knew what was ex-
peoted of them, and already had stripped
themselves OF coats and shirts, and tied
their psntaloons about their waists with
their suspenders. The ring was no sooner
formed than they were in it, facing each
other and ready for rush.
'Gen-tle-men," said Uncle Billy, ''re-
member what told you, am tote far.
When say go, then sail in"
"Air you readyW
"Then, gor'
At 1t they went, with the word, quick
as flash, raining blowsupon each other
without regard to rules of science. 1t
was "give and take" SO rapidly that the
eye could not follow the quick-darting
fists; and the thumps OF their strokes on
each others bodies sounded like hoof-
beats Of gailoping horse. The crowd
went wild with delight. "Oh my. Skin
nerV $50 It, Mosesw "Tiokle him,
SammyW "Bust his snsotl" ''Salt his
bacon!" and hundred other quaint ex-
pressions went up from the lusty lungs
OF the bystanders, who danced and leaped
about the fighters, but never presumed to
touch them, When in their struggles they
came near to one side of the ring, the line
gave back that they might have ample
room for action.
1t was fair tight and the best man
would win,
These rural gladiators were equally
matched in strength and courage, both
had known nothing but victory before;
the little roam beifer and an unbroken
series of victories at law, as well as war
was the prize for which they fought. For
long time the issue was in doubt, but
accident favored the winner. In stepping
back to get better vantage ground, Nose
tripped againsra large root in the road,
and as he tOttered, Skinner struck him
terrific blow upon the side of neck which
sent him down full length upon the earth.
In moment the enemy was upon him
hammering with terrible blows upon his
face and chest. He bad just breath enough
lett to gasp out, "NutW
This ended the fight OF course, and the
crowd congratulated the victor, as crowds
always do. while poor Moses thought Bit
terly, as he washed his bruises over the
c0olingstub in the blacksmith shop, bow
the roam heifer and his lawsuit and his
prestige as fighter were all forever lost.
His friends consoled him as best they
could, opt he was beaten man, and had
not word to say in answer to their
weE.meant condolences. he was whip
ped, and no language could palliate his
disgrace.